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| Rider-Waite |
Meaning
is multi-faceted in The Lovers, as it is in all major arcana, but in The Lovers
we find exceptional versatility. Whatever deck you usually prefer, the
symbolism used in the Rider-Waite illustration is worthy of a few moments of
close consideration because of the very specific messages contained within.
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| Haindl Tarot |
The angel
Raphael has taken different guises in the Tarot through the ages, including
that of the mere Cupid, but in this classic RW interpretation, the angel of the
air is an important emissary of the Radiant Solar Energy represented by the Sun
in the background. Translated from
Hebrew, Raphael literally means “God heals”, and in Islam this angel is
Israfel, blower of the trumpet.
Recognition in three major world religions lends a powerful credential
to the importance of the symbolism of Raphael in the sixth triumph. Raphael symbolizes Superconsciousness,
and suggests a connection between the forces found in this card and the state
of unlimited possibility found in The Fool. The discussion of Superconsciousness that began in he
preceding Hierophant continues here, as well.
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| Russian Tarot Of St. Petersburg |
The
presence of the angel in relation to the positions of the figures below
contains an essential lesson about the nature of the human psyche: We cannot look directly on the face of
the Divine. To enter higher
consciousness, one must channel the conscious mind to turn to the subconscious,
where it is possible to discern messages and clues. In the sixth triumph, Raphael radiates a promise that the
seeker who approaches in this manner will be answered in a voice that is larger
than just one’s own. Harmony
between the inner and outer lives is the prevailing message of The Lovers.
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| Mythic Tarot |
It is
here that the Great Work is introduced, symbolized by the mountain. The potential for every person to
create something that is greater than the personality is a vital component of
The Lovers. The Great Work is
specifically referred to by the mountain seven times in the major arcana. It can be illuminating to consider the
cards together; lay out triumphs 6, 8 (Strength), 9, 14, 17, 20, and 0. What do they have in common?
The nudes
are another symbol that appears five times in the major arcana. The last four are contained in the
final few triumphs, after the personality and life experience have been well
established, while the naked Lovers burst early onto the scene of personality
development, demonstrating that an open heart and mind are vital for a healthy
psyche.
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The trees
behind the Lovers hold some interesting meanings, as well. The lush garden setting is evocative of
Eden, and therefore, the man of Adam.
Behind him, a tree with twelve flaming fruits represents the signs of
the Zodiac and the personality types associated with each one. Three branches of each flame indicate
the possibility for three different types of expression, or ultimately, 36
different types of personalities.
On Eve’s side, the apple tree suggests the five senses, although in the
RW version, only 4 are shown. This
Garden of Eden symbolism also brings up the idea of Eve’s Choice. Perhaps that’s where the fifth apple
went. The idea of choices, and
whether they be for good or for ill, has long been closely associated with The
Lovers.
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| Zombie Tarot |
The idea
of marriage is frequently a possibility when The Lovers appears in a
reading. Mary Greer writes that
The Lovers has to do with relationships of any kind, and that it associates “the
cards on either side in a reading in balance or attraction”. She also emphasizes that the
personality found in The Lovers is able to apply “the moral responsibilities
learned in the Hierophant to human interactions”. This card could represent a successful love relationship, or
a group that works together harmoniously.
Six is the number that is most in balance with all other numbers, and
social consciousness is a strong quality of this triumph.
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| Connolly Tarot Deck |
A person
represented by The Lovers will have a cheerful, positive attitude and the
virtue of patience. A good
listener, this is an intelligent person who radiates warmth, sensitivity, and
kindness. The ability to settle
disputes may be suggested, as well as a love of domesticity. This is someone who is in touch with
both the creative and intellectual aspects of their personality.
Meditate
on The Lovers to strengthen the spirit of Cooperation.
Give some
thought to your own Great Work.
Many thanks to Killian for sharing her great collection of Tarot decks!
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| Gilded Tarot |
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| Medicine Woman Tarot |
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| Modern-Medieval Tarot |
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| Touchstone Tarot |
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